as in imaginary
formal
based on something that is not true or real; based on an illusion
an illusory hope an illusory sense of security
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusory
Desirous of the benefits, even if illusory, doctors are like moths to the flame for these deals.
—
Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Perhaps nothing demonstrates the illusory pursuit of the truth like the story of Ikilimu Bilbis, the traveler who arrived in the ancient city of Timbuktu to glimpse the Book of Absolute Truth, a tome that contained the answer to every question in the universe.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
But that moment of enjoyment is only a brief, illusory respite from Ahmet’s laborious responsibilities herding sheep and caring for his kid brother Naim (Agush Agushev), the picture of innocence and adorableness, who hasn’t spoken since their mother died.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusory
Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Perhaps nothing demonstrates the illusory pursuit of the truth like the story of Ikilimu Bilbis, the traveler who arrived in the ancient city of Timbuktu to glimpse the Book of Absolute Truth, a tome that contained the answer to every question in the universe.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
But that moment of enjoyment is only a brief, illusory respite from Ahmet’s laborious responsibilities herding sheep and caring for his kid brother Naim (Agush Agushev), the picture of innocence and adorableness, who hasn’t spoken since their mother died.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory
Adjective
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Don’t wait for an official decision – get your imaginary head space cast list started.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2025
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Barrymore then launched up from her seat to showcase how Mr. Clean shows off his sensual side, shaking her hips and waving an imaginary mop.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But this next statistic about his scoring is unreal.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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This ultrawide beast delivers mind-blowing colors, contrast, and immersion, making every game look unreal.—
Shubham Yewale,
PCMAG,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Elsewhere is a cozy study for getting some work done, while both a private garden and a rooftop terrace serve as ideal spots for dining alfresco when the London weather decides to cooperate.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 Apr. 2025
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The ideal citizenship strategy should consider both short-term needs and long-term risks.—
Alex Recouso,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.—
Angela Haupt,
TIME,
10 May 2024
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Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2024
Adjective
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But with Trump’s overt hostility to all things IRA, scale-up is unlikely.—
Jim Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
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And while Tarantino would be unlikely to direct a film for Netflix given his insistence on theatrical exclusivity, the streaming service is Fincher’s longtime home.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusory. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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